When to Worry About a Mole: Advice from a Skin Cancer Expert

Moles are a common skin feature for people of all ages and skin types. Most are harmless, but in some cases, a mole may be an early sign of skin cancer. With the increasing prevalence of melanoma and other skin cancers in 2025, recognizing the warning signs of a problematic mole has never been more important. According to skin cancer expert Dr Shaun Segal, understanding what’s normal and what isn’t could be lifesaving.

What Are Moles?

Moles are clusters of pigmented cells that typically appear as small, brown spots on the skin. They can develop anywhere on the body and may vary in color, shape, and size. While most moles are benign and remain unchanged for years, others may evolve or emerge in ways that require medical attention.

Dr Shaun Segal, a leading voice in dermatology, notes that the average person has between 10 and 40 moles. “Not every mole is a cause for concern,” he says. “But any mole that looks different from the rest—or changes in any way—deserves a closer look.”

The ABCDE Rule in 2025: Updated Guidelines for Spotting Melanoma

In 2025, dermatologists continue to rely on the ABCDE rule to help patients identify potentially dangerous moles. According to Dr Shaun Segal, this method is a simple, effective way to remember the signs of melanoma:

• A – Asymmetry: If one half of the mole does not match the other half.
  
  
• B – Border: Irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined edges.
  
  
• C – Color: Multiple colors or uneven distribution of color—such as varying shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue.
  
  
• D – Diameter: Moles larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser) are more concerning.
  
  
• E – Evolving: Any mole that is changing in size, shape, color, or texture.
  
  

Dr Shaun Segal emphasizes that any one of these signs can warrant further examination. “If a mole stands out from your others—what we call the ‘ugly duckling’ sign—it needs to be evaluated, regardless of its size,” he adds.

Also Read: Understanding the Stages of Skin Cancer: A Comprehensive Guide

New or Changing Moles in Adulthood

While new moles often appear during childhood and adolescence, it is less common for adults to develop new moles after the age of 30. In 2025, this remains a key consideration in skin cancer screening.

“Any new mole in an adult, especially after age 40, should raise a red flag,” says Dr Shaun Segal. “It could be nothing, but it could also be an early melanoma.”

Equally important are existing moles that begin to change. Changes in elevation, color, or the development of symptoms like itching or bleeding are warning signs that shouldn’t be ignored.

Risk Factors That Make a Mole More Concerning

Certain individuals are more likely to develop skin cancer than others. Dr Shaun Segal advises that you should be especially vigilant about your moles if you:

• Have a personal or family history of skin cancer
  
  
• Have fair skin, light eyes, and burn easily
  
  
• Have a large number of moles (more than 50)
  
  
• Use or have used tanning beds
  
  
• Spend significant time outdoors without sun protection
  
  
• Have a weakened immune system
  
  

For those at higher risk, regular skin checks and self-exams should be part of their health routine.

The Role of Annual Skin Checks

With advances in skin cancer detection tools in 2025, annual skin checks by a professional are more comprehensive and precise than ever. Dr Shaun Segal uses high-resolution dermoscopy, digital mole mapping, and AI-assisted imaging to track mole changes over time.

“Even if you have no history of skin cancer, a yearly full-body skin check can help catch problems early—before they become dangerous,” he explains. “It gives us a baseline to compare against year after year.”

At-Home Monitoring Tips

While seeing a skin cancer specialist annually is crucial, Dr Shaun Segal also encourages patients to conduct regular self-exams at home between visits. Here’s how to do it:

1. Use good lighting and a full-length mirror, along with a hand mirror for hard-to-see areas.
   
   
2. Check your entire body, including scalp, soles of the feet, between fingers and toes, and under nails.
   
   
3. Photograph suspicious moles so you can compare them over time.
   
   
4. Note any changes—size, color, border, elevation, itching, or bleeding.
   
   
5. Act promptly—if anything looks unusual or new, book an appointment with a skin cancer expert.
   
   

Common Myths About Moles and Skin Cancer

Even in 2025, misconceptions persist around moles and their risks. Dr Shaun Segal clears up a few common myths:

• Myth: Only moles in sun-exposed areas are dangerous.
  Truth: Melanoma can appear anywhere, even in places like the scalp, underarms, or between toes.
  
  
• Myth: Dark-skinned individuals don’t get skin cancer.
  Truth: While rates are lower, skin cancer can and does occur in all skin tones—and is often diagnosed later in darker skin, making it more dangerous.
  
  
• Myth: If a mole doesn’t hurt, it’s fine.
  Truth: Most skin cancers are painless. Don’t wait for pain to take action.

Recommended Reading: Understanding Different Types of Skin Cancer: Basal Cell, Squamous Cell, and Melanoma

What Happens If a Suspicious Mole Is Found?

If Dr Shaun Segal identifies a mole that appears suspicious, he will typically perform a biopsy—a quick, often painless procedure where a small sample is removed for lab analysis. Results are usually available within a few days.

If skin cancer is confirmed, treatment options in 2025 include:

• Excision surgery to remove the mole and surrounding tissue
  
  
• Cryotherapy (freezing)
  
  
• Topical medications for superficial cancers
  
  
• Laser or light therapies
  
  
• Immunotherapy or targeted therapy for advanced cases
  
  

Dr Shaun Segal tailors treatment based on the type, location, and stage of the cancer, ensuring the best outcomes with the least invasive methods possible.

Prevention Is Still the Best Medicine

While it’s crucial to know when to worry about a mole, Dr Shaun Segal reinforces that prevention remains the most effective strategy:

• Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, even in winter or indoors near windows
  
  
• Wear protective clothing, including hats and UV-filtering sunglasses
  
  
• Avoid tanning beds entirely
  
  
• Stay in the shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
  
  
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle to support immune function and skin health
  
  

Final Thoughts from Dr Shaun Segal

In 2025, with advanced diagnostics and greater awareness, we have more power than ever to detect skin cancer early. But that depends on vigilance—both at home and through annual visits to a qualified professional.

Dr Shaun Segal leaves patients with this advice:
“Don’t wait for a mole to become a problem. If it looks different, feels different, or worries you in any way—get it checked. Early detection is everything.